Dutch FinMin Gains Support for Eurogroup Head

Dijsselbloem, who was appointed finance minister of the Netherlands in November, said he would present his priorities for the role at the January 21 meeting. Photo by dpa

Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem appears to have wide backing to take over the helm of the Eurogroup, the powerful body of euro zone finance ministers, succeeding Jean-Claude Juncker.

"The Dutch finance minister presented his candidacy, which is a good one," Juncker told reporters on Friday. Earlier, a spokeswoman for Germany's finance minister said that Wolfgang Schaeuble strongly backed Dijsselbloem's appointment.

The decision on the appointment will be taken on Monday, when euro zone finance ministers meet in Brussels.

Finland, which like Germany is a AAA-rated euro zone member, is also in favour.

Dijsselbloem, who was appointed finance minister of the Netherlands in November, said he would present his priorities for the role at the January 21 meeting.

"My French colleague has asked me for a presentation on my vision on the Eurogroup," he said. "I am very glad to give that on Monday."

Eurogroup head Jean-Claude Juncker announced that he is stepping down at the end of December.

The Luxembourg prime minister has held the post of Eurogroup head since 2005, and his move was widely expected.

Eurogroup is made up of finance ministers from nations in the single European currency.

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